Croix Bethune reportedly injured herself while throwing out a first pitch at a Nationals game.
A celebratory event at the Washington Nationals game on August 28 turned into a disaster for midfielder Croix Bethune. Bethune, a key player for the gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Washington Spirit, will be sidelined for an extended period after sustaining a serious injury while throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.
On Wednesday, the Spirit announced that Bethune had undergone surgery for a torn meniscus, which she reportedly injured at the Nationals game. While the team did not specify the details of the injury, Steven Goff of the Washington Post confirmed that it occurred during the event.
Bethune’s injury kept her from participating in the Spirit’s recent 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave, and she did not travel with the team for the match. Spirit head coach Jonatan Giráldez addressed the situation after the game, saying, “She had a problem making the first pitch in the baseball game. She is not going to be available this season. It is part of life; you have to keep going.”
How exactly did Croix Bethune injure herself at the Nationals game?
This injury is a significant blow to one of the brightest young talents in the NWSL and globally. At just 23 years old, Bethune, who was the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft, leads the league with 10 assists, matching Tobin Heath’s 2016 record in just 17 matches, and has also scored five goals. She has been named NWSL Rookie of the Month three times this season, including back-to-back honors.
Bethune, a late addition to the USWNT’s Olympic roster, played only one game in Paris, coming on as a substitute in the 79th minute of their final group stage match against Australia.
During her visit to Nationals Park, Bethune was celebrated along with fellow Spirit and gold medal-winning Olympic teammates Trinity Rodman, Casey Krueger, and Hal Hershfelt. She threw out the first pitch as part of the Spirit’s Olympic quartet’s celebration.
